Silicone based flame retardant systems for textiles

ABSTRACT

A silicone composition is provided which comprises at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking wherein the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer imparts flame retardancy on a cellulose-containing substrate. Further embodiments of the present invention include a method for making and a cellulose-substrate comprising the aforementioned silicone composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to compositions for textile applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to silicone compositions which adhere durably to textiles and provide flame retardancy.

[0002] Textiles used in the clothing industry must adhere to certain standards before they can be sold. According to government regulations, clothing garments must exhibit a certain level of flame retardancy. Flame retardancy can be achieved by blending fabrics with flame retardant textiles. For example, in many cases cotton is blended with polyester to achieve required levels of flame retardancy. Unfortunately, blending fabrics with flame retardant textiles can have a negative effect on properties of the final textile such as softness. In cases where softness is an issue, flame retardancy can be imparted via treatment with a flame retardant material. For instance, treatment of textiles with phosphorus-based molecules or polycarboxylates that react durable with the fabric can result in flame retardancy of the fabrics. Unfortunately, these treatments often cause an unacceptable loss of fabric strength or require specialized processing equipment.

[0003] It is therefore desirable to produce flame retardant treatments which can be used to treat textiles and provide textile benefits that are appreciated by consumers as well as exhibit durability. Thus, new treatments are constantly being sought which meet these requirements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking wherein the polysiloxane or silicone oligomer imparts flame retardancy on a cellulose-containing substrate.

[0005] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a cellulose-containing substrate comprising

[0006] (a) wetting the cellulose-containing substrate with an aqueous solution, dispersion, or emulsion of a silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with an amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking; and

[0007] (b) curing the wetted cellulose-containing substrate at a temperature in a range between about 125° C. and about 220° C.

[0008] In yet a further embodiment, the present invention provides a cellulose-containing substrate comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention includes a silicone composition which includes at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with an amine containing group (hereinafter also referred to as “amino group”) and at least three functional groups capable of functioning as cross-linking sites (hereinafter also referred to as “cross-linking precursor”). The polysiloxane of the present invention imparts flame retardancy to natural fiber/cellulose substrates or substrates containing natural fibers/cellulose.

[0010] The present invention includes at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer having the formula:

M_(a)M′_(b)D_(c)D′_(d)T_(e)T′_(f)Q_(g)

[0011] where the subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f and g are zero or a positive integer, subject to the limitation that the sum of the subscripts b, d and f is at least two with the proviso that b is at least 4 if d and f are 0; where M has the formula:

R¹ ₃SiO_(1/2),

[0012] M′ has the formula:

(X)_(h)R² _(3-h)SiO_(1/2),

[0013] D has the formula:

R³ ₂SiO_(2/2),

[0014] D′ has the formula:

(X)_((2-i))R_(i) ⁴SiO_(2/2),

[0015] T has the formula:

R⁵SiO_(3/2),

[0016] T′ has the formula:

(X)SiO_(3/2),

[0017] and Q has the formula SiO_(4/2), where subscript h is in a range between 1 and 3; subscript i is 0 or 1; each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ is independently at each occurrence a cross-linking precursor, hydrogen atom, C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, and C₆₋₂₂ alkyl-substituted aryl, and C₆₋₂₂ aralkyl, any of which groups may be halogenated, for example, fluorinated to contain fluorocarbons such as C₁₋₂₂ fluoroalkyl, or may contain polyether units of the formula (CH₂CHR⁶O)_(k) where R⁶ is independently in each repeat unit CH₃ or H and “k” is in a range between about 4 and about 50; X, independently at each occurrence, represents an amino group or a cross-linking precursor with the proviso that the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer has at least three cross-linking precursors per molecule and at least one amino group. The amino group typically is in the form of C₁₋₃₀ aminoalkyls. The amino group can contain primary nitrogen groups, secondary nitrogen groups, tertiary nitrogen groups, quaternary nitrogen groups, or any mixture thereof. It may or may not be part of an aliphatic ring structure. It may also consist of or be interrupted by aromatic rings. The amino group may contain any number of nitrogen atoms, preferably 1 or 2. Preferred amino groups are aminopropyl and aminoethylaminopropyl. The term “alkyl”, as used in various embodiments of the present invention, is intended to designate both normal alkyl, branched alkyl, aralkyl, and cycloalkyl radicals. Normal and branched alkyl radicals are preferably those containing in a range between about 1 and about 30 carbon atoms, and include as illustrative non-limiting examples methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tertiary-butyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, dodecyl, cetyl, and stearyl. Cycloalkyl radicals represented are preferably those containing between about 4 and about 12 ring carbon atoms. Some illustrative non-limiting examples of these cycloalkyl radicals include cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Preferred aralkyl radicals are those containing between about 7 and about 14 carbon atoms. These include, but are not limited to, benzyl, phenylbutyl, phenylpropyl, and phenylethyl. Aryl radicals used in the various embodiments of the present invention are preferably those containing between about 6 and about 20 ring carbon atoms and contain at least one monocyclic or polycyclic moiety wherein a polycyclic may comprise fused or linked rings. Some illustrative non-limiting examples of these aryl radicals include phenyl, biphenyl, and naphthyl. An illustrative non-limiting example of a suitable halogenated moiety is trifluoropropyl.

[0018] According to the present invention, “cross-linking precursor” as used herein includes any moiety that is capable of providing cross-linking either directly (e.g. hydroxy groups) or indirectly (e.g. alkoxy groups) with other amino functionalized polysiloxanes or siloxane oligomers of the present invention or with added cross-linking compounds containing at least two cross-linking precursors. Typical cross-linking precursors include hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, hydrogen, and electrophilic groups combined with nucleophilic groups. Most typically, the cross-linking precursor is a hydroxy group.

[0019] The number of amino groups on the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer in the present invention that is capable of imparting flame retardancy to cellulose-containing substrates is at least one, however, all the silicon atoms of the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer may be substituted with amino groups. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the average ratio of Si atoms substituted with amino groups to those that are not is in a range between about 1 and about 5. Preferably, the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer is water soluble or capable of being emulsified.

[0020] The polysiloxanes or siloxane oligomers of the present invention are typically prepared by equilibration reactions containing silanes or oligosilanes substituted with amino groups and cross-linking precursors in the presence of a suitable catalyst, subject to the structural parameters described above. The catalyst is preferably a basic catalyst.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a silicone composition includes a preponderance of specific linear, branched, cross-linked, or cyclic polysiloxanes. Also, suitable compositions may comprise one or more polysiloxanes or siloxane oligomers which may contain adventitious amounts of other species at a level in a range between about 0.0001 wt % and about 5 wt % based on total silicon-containing species, for example, arising during the synthesis process for said polysiloxanes or siloxane oligomers. In illustrative examples, suitable compositions may contain adventitious amounts of D₄, or species containing Si—H, Si—OH, Si—O-alkyl bonds, and mixtures thereof that do not contain amino groups.

[0022] The silicone fabric treatment composition of the present invention may also optionally include additives such as a catalyst or mixture of catalysts; cross-linking agents; organic compounds; inorganic compounds that contain species such as phosphorus, boron, aluminum, magnesium, or zinc; or combinations thereof with the proviso that the additive or group of additives do not have a negative effect on the flame retardant benefits of the silicone composition. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the silicone composition may include at least one aluminum compound, such as aluminum lactate. When present, the aluminum compound is present in a range between about 0.01% and about 10% by weight based on the silicone composition, and more preferably, in a range between about 0.5% and about 5% by weight based on the silicone composition.

[0023] Catalysts that accelerate curing of the silicone composition on the fabric may also be present. Typically, the catalyst is present in a range between about 0.0001 weight % and about 10 weight % with respect to silicon in the composition, and preferably, in a range between about 0.001 weight % and about 5 weight % with respect to the total composition. Examples of cure catalysts include, but are not limited to, organic or inorganic acids and bases.

[0024] Silicone compositions of the present invention that include at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking typically impart flame retardant benefits to materials such as textiles, including cellulose-containing surfaces such as natural fibers and regenerated fibers including blends. A particular advantage of the present invention is that the described functional groups enable the silicone composition to adhere durably to a cellulose-containing surface.

[0025] The silicone composition can be applied to the substrate by any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, padding processes are typical for textile treatment. Usually, in the padding process the substrate is wetted with an aqueous solution, non-aqueous solution, dispersion, or emulsion of the silicone composition. For example, the silicone composition can be delivered in a water mixture which can contain the silicone composition in a range between about 0.01% by weight and about 99% by weight based on the total mixture. After application of the silicone composition to the substrate, the composition can be cured over a period in a range between about 5 minutes and about 2 hours, and preferably over a period in a range between about 5 minutes and 30 minutes. Typically, the cure temperature is in a range between about 125° C. and about 220° C., preferably in a range between about 150° C. and about 200° C. Alternatively, the substituted silicone or silicone resin can be applied to the substrate neat and cured in the same manner.

[0026] In order that those skilled in the art will be better able to practice the present invention, the following examples are given by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

EXAMPLES

[0027] Representative Fabric Treatment.

[0028] A 2 inch×6 inch piece of 100% cotton fleece was shaken with an aqueous solution containing 5% by weight a siloxane oligomer (aminoethylaminopropyl silsesquioxane oligomer, Gelest, Inc., referred to as “siloxane” in Table 1) and aluminum lactate (0.9% or 3.7% by weight based on the total weight of the fabric treatment composition) at room temperature. The fabric was removed and run through a hand-turned clothes wringer. The wet pick up was determined to be approximately 100%. This was repeated on a total of 14 fleece samples. The samples were heated in a convection oven at 150° C. for 20 minutes and then allowed to cool to room temperature. Five samples were evaluated for flame retardancy performance after treatment/heating, and five others were washed prior to flame testing.

[0029] Fabric Washing.

[0030] In a one gallon metal paint can was mixed 3.9 grams of 1993 AATCC laundry detergent and 1.5 kg of tap water. The can was placed on a stirrer/hot plate and fitted with an overhead mechanical stirrer with a 3-bladed impeller positioned just below the surface of the water. A metal thermocouple was inserted at a 45° angle to the water. Seven pieces of treated fabric (all from the same treatment) were added. With the stirrer set at 60-70%, the samples were washed for 12 min at 49° C. The fabric samples were then removed and placed in a beaker under a flow of cold tap water (˜15° C.) for 5 min to rinse. The excess water was removed, and the samples were dried horizontally on a rack overnight at room temperature.

[0031] Flame Testing.

[0032] Prior to testing, all fabric pieces were conditioned in a convection oven at 105° C. for 30 min. The samples were individually placed in sample holders and kept in a desiccator for 1-3 hours. The samples were then flame tested according to the standard protocol for the 45° 16CFR1610 test. The flame tester used was manufactured by the Govmark Organization, Inc. (Bellmore, N.Y.). TABLE 1 Flame tested data of treated and untreated 100% cotton fleece. Initial flame retardancy Flame retardancy after washing threads burn time FR threads burn time FR Treatment BB¹ burnt (sec) class² BB¹ burnt (sec) class² none³ 5/5 5/5 1 3 5/5 5/5 8 2 5% siloxane + 0/5 0/5 n/a 1 0/5 2/5 3 1 3.7% aluminum lactate 5% siloxane + 0/5 0/5 n/a 1 0/5 0/5 n/a 1 0.9% aluminum lactate 5% siloxane + 0/5 0/5 n/a 1 0/5 2/5 3 1 0.9% colloidal alumina

[0033] The data in Table 1 clearly shows that cotton fleece treated with the siloxane compound mixture exhibited flame retardancy both before and after washing.

[0034] While typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking wherein the polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer imparts flame retardancy on a cellulose-containing substrate.
 2. The composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer has the formula M_(a)M′_(b)D_(c)D′_(d)T_(e)T′_(f)Q_(g) where the subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f and g are zero or a positive integer, subject to the limitation that the sum of the subscripts b, d and f is at least two with the proviso that b is at least 4 if d and f are 0; where M has the formula: R¹ ₃SiO_(1/2), M′ has the formula: (X)_(h)R² _(3-h)SiO_(1/2), D has the formula: R³ ₂SiO_(2/2), D′ has the formula: (X)_((2-i)) ^(i)R⁴SiO_(2/2), T has the formula: R⁵SiO_(3/2), T′ has the formula: (X)SiO_(3/2), and Q has the formula SiO_(4/2), where subscript h is in a range between 1 and 3; subscript i is 0 or 1; each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ is independently at each occurrence a cross-linking precursor, hydrogen atom, C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, C₆₋₂₂ alkyl-substituted aryl, C₆₋₂₂ aralkyl, C₁₋₂₂ fluoroalkyl, or C₁₋₂₂ polyether; and each X is independent at each occurrence an amino group or cross-linking precursor with the proviso that there are at least three cross-linking precursors per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule and at least one amino group per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule.
 3. The composition in accordance with claim 2, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.
 4. The composition in accordance with claim 3, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups.
 5. The composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the amino group comprises an aminopropyl group, aminoethylaminopropyl group, or combination thereof.
 6. The composition in accordance with claim 5, wherein the amino group comprises an aminoethylaminopropyl group.
 7. The composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the polysiloxane has average ratio of Si atoms substituted with amino groups to those that are not in a range between about 1 and about
 5. 8. The composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate comprises natural fibers, regenerated fibers, blends or combinations thereof.
 9. The composition in accordance with claim 8, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate comprises natural fibers.
 10. The composition in accordance with claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an aluminum compound.
 11. The composition in accordance with claim 10, wherein the composition further comprises aluminum lactate.
 12. A silicone composition comprising (a) at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one aminoethylaminopropyl group and at least three functional hydroxy groups; and (b) aluminum lactate wherein the composition imparts flame retardancy on a cellulose-containing substrate.
 13. A method of treating a cellulose-containing substrate comprising (a) wetting the cellulose-containing substrate with an aqueous solution, dispersion, or emulsion of a silicone composition comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with an amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking; and (b) curing the wetted cellulose-containing substrate at a temperature in a range between about 125° C. and about 220° C.
 14. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer has the formula M_(a)M′_(b)D_(c)D′_(d)T_(e)T′_(f)Q_(g) where the subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f and g are zero or a positive integer, subject to the limitation that the sum of the subscripts b, d and f is at least two with the proviso that b is at least 4 if d and f are 0; where M has the formula: R¹ ₃SiO_(1/2), M′ has the formula: (X)_(h)R² _(3-h)SiO_(1/2), D has the formula: R³ ₂SiO_(2/2), D′ has the formula: (X)_((2-i)) ^(i)R⁴SiO_(2/2), T has the formula: R⁵SiO_(3/2), T′ has the formula: (X)SiO_(3/2), and Q has the formula SiO_(4/2), where subscript h is in a range between 1 and 3; subscript i is 0 or 1; each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ is independently at each occurrence a cross-linking precursor, hydrogen atom, C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, C₆₋₂₂ alkyl-substituted aryl, C₆₋₂₂ aralkyl, C₁₋₂₂ fluoroalkyl, or C₁₋₂₂ polyether; and each X is independent at each occurrence an amino group or cross-linking precursor with the proviso that there are at least three cross-linking precursors per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule and at least one amino group per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule.
 15. The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the amino group comprises a C₁₋₃₀ amino alkyl.
 18. The method in accordance with claim 17, wherein the amino group comprises an aminopropyl group, aminoethylaminopropyl group, or combination thereof.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the polysiloxane has an average ratio of Si atoms substituted with amino groups to those that are not in a range between about 1 and about
 5. 20. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the cellulose containing substrate comprises natural fibers, regenerated fibers, blends or combinations thereof.
 21. The method in accordance with claim 20, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate comprises natural fibers.
 22. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the composition further comprises an aluminum compound.
 23. The method in accordance with claim 22, wherein the composition further comprises aluminum lactate.
 24. The method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the wetted cellulose-containing substrate is cured at a temperature in a range between about 150° C. and about 200° C.
 25. A method of treating a cellulose-containing substrate comprising (a) wetting the cellulose-containing substrate with an aqueous solution, dispersion, or emulsion of a silicone composition comprising (i) at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with an aminoethylaminopropyl group and at least three hydroxy groups; and (ii) aluminum lactate; and (b) curing the wetted cellulose-containing substrate at a temperature in a range between about 150° C. and about 200° C. for a period of time in a range between about 5 minutes and about 30 minutes.
 26. A cellulose-containing substrate comprising at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one amino group and at least three functional groups capable of cross-linking.
 27. The substrate in accordance with claim 26, wherein the at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer has the formula M_(a)M′_(b)D_(c)D′_(d)T_(e)T′_(f)Q_(g) where the subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f and g are zero or a positive integer, subject to the limitation that the sum of the subscripts b, d and f is at least two with the proviso that b is at least 4 if d and f are 0; where M has the formula: R¹ ₃SiO_(1/2), M′ has the formula: (X)_(h)R² _(3-h)SiO_(1/2), D has the formula: R³ ₂SiO_(2/2), D′ has the formula: (X)_((2-i)) ^(i)R⁴SiO_(2/2), T has the formula: R⁵SiO_(3/2), T′ has the formula: (X)SiO_(3/2), and Q has the formula SiO_(4/2), where subscript h is in a range between 1 and 3; subscript i is 0 or 1; each R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ is independently at each occurrence a cross-linking precursor, hydrogen atom, C₁₋₃₀ alkyl, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl, C₆₋₁₄ aryl, C₆₋₂₂ alkyl-substituted aryl, C₆₋₂₂ aralkyl, C₁₋₂₂ fluoroalkyl, or C₁₋₂₂ polyether; and each X is independent at each occurrence an amino group or cross-linking precursor with the proviso that there are at least three cross-linking precursors per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule and at least one amino group per polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer molecule.
 28. The substrate in accordance with claim 27, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups, alkoxy groups, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.
 29. The substrate in accordance with claim 28, wherein the cross-linking precursor comprises hydroxy groups.
 30. The substrate in accordance with claim 26, wherein the amino group comprises a C₁₋₃₀ amino alkyl.
 31. The substrate in accordance with claim 30, wherein the amino group comprises an aminopropyl group, aminoethylaminopropyl group, or combination thereof.
 32. The substrate in accordance with claim 26, wherein the polysiloxane has an average ratio of Si atoms substituted with amino groups to those that are not in a range between about 1 and about
 5. 33. The substrate in accordance with claim 26, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate comprises natural fibers, regenerated fibers, blends or combinations thereof.
 34. The substrate in accordance with claim 33, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate comprises natural fibers.
 35. The substrate in accordance with claim 26, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate further comprises an aluminum compound.
 36. The substrate in accordance with claim 35, wherein the cellulose-containing substrate further comprises aluminum lactate.
 37. A cellulose-containing substrate comprising (a) at least one polysiloxane or siloxane oligomer functionalized with at least one aminoethylamino propyl group and at least three hydroxy groups; and (b) aluminum lactate. 